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Life Lessons: Ed Balls and Tanya Byron

In a major new series at The School of Life, Tanya Byron will bring her expertise as a clinical psychologist and broadcaster to explore the emotional lives of some of the most important figures of our time. Join us as we discover life lessons from former Shadow Chancellor and Strictly Come Dancing star Ed Balls.

On the night of 7 May 2015, Ed Balls thought there was a chance he would wake up the next morning as the new Chancellor of the Exchequer. Instead, he woke up without a job.

For two decades he had occupied a central position within Labour, rising from adviser to Cabinet Minister to Shadow Chancellor. Throughout one of the most tumultuous periods in recent British history, he made a point of speaking out, whatever the consequences. But on that May morning he was silenced.

In this unique event, Ed and psychologist and broadcaster Tanya Byron will explore how to face up to your fears and misgivings, and tackle your limitations – on stages public and private. What is it really like to deal with the pressures of one of the most powerful jobs in national life? How can power be used for good, and what lessons can we learn when things go wrong?

Join us for a unique window into the world of Westminster and the mind of one of the most outspoken political figures of our age.